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Home , Chorsu (Samarkand), Chorsu Bazaar, Itchan Kala, Khiva, Samarkand, Shahrisabz

Ancient Trade Routes of with Natalia Odinochkina An A&K Hosted Journey 8 – 22 October 2016 Western gate (Ata Darvoza) to ancient of , Ancient Trade Routes of Central Asia with Natalia Odinochkina An A&K Hosted Journey • 8 – 22 October 2016 15 Days | – Samarkand – – Mary – – – Tashkent The mountains and deserts of Central Asia are the backdrop for this extraordinary adventure to the heart of the ancient Road. This is one of the world’s most remote and untouched areas and during the Middle Ages was the epicentre of a powerful empire. On this journey you’ll explore and , two countries steeped in antiquity with a lasting legacy from the warriors and emperors who made their mark. Visit some of the oldest cities in the world such as the legendary Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Each one boasts a glorious architectural legacy that is simply dazzling.

KAZAKHSTAN Journey highlights • An intimate group size of no more Dashoguz than 24 guests Tashkent Khiva • One on one interaction with your host UZBEKISTAN • A glimpse into ancient civilisations of the Bukhara • Dramatic landscapes of the vast TURKMENISTAN Samarkand Central Asian steppe

Ashgabat • Important architectural attractions • Exotic markets, and Mary Air • Cultural interaction, performances Road Rail and handicraft demonstrations

Natalia Odinochkina Educated at the State Academy of Foreign Languages as an interpreter, Natalia, General Manager of A&K Russia has been working with A&K for nearly a decade. She has travelled extensively throughout the region including Central Asia and has designed our itinerary to incorporate some of the unique experiences she has had during her visits. An accomplished guide, Natalia has escorted travellers from all walks of life from CEO’s, US Congressmen and British royalty to lawyers, astronauts and writers. Your itinerary Saturday 8 October 2016: Arrive Tashkent. Arrive into the Uzbekistan capital where your escort guide will be on hand to meet and accompany you on the transfer to your hotel. This evening is a welcome dinner to meet fellow travelling companions and your host (D). Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace

Sunday 9 October 2016: Tashkent. A full day exploring the sprawling city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s 2,000-year-old capital. On tour today you’ll visit the city’s highlights including the Khast- Islamic complex, the Museum of Applied Arts and the History Museum. Wander through Amir Square and visit the Tashkent underground, where each station displays a specific architectural and artistic decoration. There’s also time to explore , the fresh produce and open air Wall of Itchan Kala, Khiva market. This evening a special tea ceremony is Wednesday 12 October 2016: Samarkand – arranged at the ceramic workshop of the Rakhimov Shahrisabz – Samarkand. A day trip south today family where six generations of master potters to Shahrisabz, one of the most beautiful in have practiced their art (B, L). Lotte City Hotel Central Asia, famously known as the birthplace of Tashkent Palace Tamerlane. Several impressive monuments remain Monday 10 October 2016: Tashkent – from the Timurid Dynasty and the old city has World Samarkand. An early start for the high-speed Heritage status. Highlights include the remains train to the ancient city of Samarkand. On arrival of Ak-Saray Palace, Timur’s pleasure palace, the you are transferred to the hotel. Later this morning of Kuk-Gumbaz and Djakhangir and head out with your guide to explore Uzbekistan’s the Hazrati Imam (B, L). Hotel Grand most glorious city. Its long history is most famously Samarkand Superior linked to the legacy of the great 14th century ruler Thursday 13 October 2016: Samarkand – Tamerlane whose aim was to create the richest city Bukhara. Today the journey takes you west to the on earth. Visit his famous and Caps at a market in Ashgabat magical city of Bukhara (approx 4.5 hour drive). Square said to be the most spectacular architectural The city is over 2,000 years old and is the most 12th century. Other places of interest include the ensemble in Central Asia. You also visit the huge complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia. important archaeological site of Kyz Kala. On return mosque, bazaar and observatory. A special treat is A major centre for trade in the Middle Ages, you’ll to Mary, visit the Museum before an evening flight in store for lunch when you visit a local home and visit the ancient trading domes, Silk Market and to the Turkmen capital Ashgabat (B, L). Oguzkent learn the secret to making Uzbekistan’s signature carpet shops. Later on tour the spectacular Ark, a Hotel (Deluxe Room) dish, plov. Join in or simply enjoy lively conversation royal citadel dating to the 5th century. This evening with the family before a delicious meal (B, L). Hotel Tuesday 18 October 2016: Ashgabat. This dinner and a private folk show is arranged (B, L, D). Grand Samarkand Superior morning your touring includes the World Omar Kayyam Hotel Heritage listed fortress of Old Nisa. Located in an Tuesday 11 October 2016: Samarkand. This Friday 14 October 2016: Bukhara. This morning atmospheric area on an irregular pentagon hill, at morning is a chance to learn from experts in the field explore with your guide the important religious the foot of the Kopet-Dag Mountains, Old Nisa is about Uzbek handicrafts when you visit an ancient attractions of the city including the Bolo Hauz a beautiful landmark. Afterwards continue to Anau, mulberry factory and silk carpet factory. Mosque and Ismail Samani mausoleum which dates to visit the former medieval city of Bagabad with its The afternoon is at leisure (B, L). Hotel Grand from the 10th century. After lunch visit the workshop important Timurid-period citadel and the ruins of the Samarkand Superior of a local puppet maker. Afternoon is at leisure Seyit Jemaleddin mosque. Return to Ashgabat and (B, L). Omar Kayyam Hotel visit the National Carpet Museum, exhibiting a rare collection of hand-made Turkmen carpets. There Saturday 15 October 2016: Bukhara. Continue is time later in the day to visit the colourful Guliztan your exploration of Bukhara with a visit to the glorious Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered Summer Palace of the last Bukhara emirs. The markets in Turkmenistan (B, L). Oguzkent Hotel afternoon is at leisure (B, L). Omar Kayyam Hotel Wednesday 19 October 2016: Ashgabat – Sunday 16 October 2016: Bukhara – Mary. Dashoguz – Khiva. A morning flight to Dashoguz in After breakfast you are driven to the Uzbek- the far north of the country. On arrival you are met Turkmen border at Farab. On completion of border and driven to Konye , the ancient capital of formalities you are driven on to Mary an oasis city Khorezm, part of the . It was the in the Karakum Desert (B, L). Hotel Mary capital of Khorezm from the 12th century and the second city after Bukhara in Central Asia. The old Monday 17 October 2016: Mary – Merv – town contains a series of monuments mainly from Ashgabat. Morning departure to Merv (25km the 11th to 16th centuries, many of which you’ll visit, drive), one of the main cities along the ancient Silk including a mosque, the gates of a , Road and believed at one time to be the largest fortresses, mausoleums and a 60m high . city in the world. The entire ancient city has World This afternoon you transfer on to Khiva (B, L). Asia Heritage listing and its beautiful monuments bear Khiva Hotel witness to glorious days passed. The most famous is the Sultan Sanjar mausoleum, dating to the Mausoleum, Samarkand B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner Children ride bikes in front of Miri Arab Madrassah, Bukhara local travel agent Thursday 20 October 2016: Khiva. A full day Price touring the medieval town of Khiva. Wander through the twisting alleyways of the city, visit the Kunya Ark Twin share per person: $10,995 or old citadel, the Emir’s Palace, the magnificent Single supplement: $1,995 Juma Mosque with its 200 individually carved wooden pillars, the Caravanserai and local bazaar. Tour inclusions This evening enjoy the sunset and amazing views All accommodation as detailed on a double/twin of Khiva from the old city walls before dining at share basis with private facilities; meals as specified; Zaynab’s Family house (B, D). Asia Khiva Hotel airport welcome; assistance with luggage and transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle; Friday 21 October 2016: Khiva – Nukus – Economy class flight Mary – Ashgabat – Dashoguz Tashkent. This morning drive north to Nukus with & Nukus – Tashkent; touring with professional stops en route at the ancient ruined fortresses English speaking guides; services of tour host Natalia of Ayas-Kala and Toprak-Kala. After lunch in Odinochkina; visa authorisation letter; invitation letter Nukus visit the Igor Savitsky museum which & immigration fee for Turkmenistan; all entrance fees, holds the richest collection of art, handicrafts and Tiled background with oriental ornaments, Khiva planning, handling, operational and communication archaeological relics from charges; tipping to local guides and drivers. the Khorezm Region. This exclusive visit is led by the English-speaking Director of the Museum. Dinner is included at the museum before transferring to Tour Exclusions the airport for your flight back to Tashkent (B, L, D). International flights; any meals not specified; Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace Uzbekistan visa fees; insurance coverage of personal loss, injury, illness or damages incurred Saturday 22 October 2016: Depart Tashkent. during your trip; items of a purely personal nature Today you are transferred to the airport for your such as drinks, laundry, dry cleaning, internet, fax, or departure flight (B). phone charges and transfers/sightseeing or meals not specified; excess baggage charges.

Central Asia is a developing tourist destination. Whilst we have chosen the best available accommodation, some are far from luxurious. The destination is best suited to travellers who are willing to sacrifice creature comforts in order B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner to visit spectacular and fascinating lands. Carpets and rugs